This October, the Dream Factory of Brooklyn team took our place among dozens of community leaders at Fall Fest.
An annual event hosted by Brooklyn Neighborhood Health, Fall Fest focuses on community wellness. This year, almost 30 tables provided visitors with health resources.
Tabling for Dreams
From the Dream Factory of Brooklyn table, our team explained how our organization brings joy to families in need. We handed out free stickers and wristbands. Postcards at the table highlighted our mission: making dreams come true for critically and chronically ill children.
“This is so wonderful,” one visitor told us. “I can’t believe Brooklyn has our own organization for this.”
Fall Fest’s smallest visitors also had opinions. “I have a dream,” a six-year-old announced to us. “My dream is to be a teacher.”
We told community members about the wide range of dreams we fulfill, from a Cyclones game to visits to Disney World. We’ve created magical moments for kids who dream of meeting their favorite celebrity, going on a cruise, and becoming a mermaid for a day.
Many people wanted to donate at the table. To keep Fall Fest’s focus on community, we directed them to our website instead. Because our team is fully volunteer-powered, 96% of all donations go directly toward granting dreams.
Our team didn’t forget to have fun. We shouted out to the crowd from the DJ booth to kick off the fair. Later, we danced Caribbean soca in a fitness class.
Partners in Community
At Fall Fest, we weren’t alone in changing lives. Other participating organizations included health clinics, a tenant support organization, and mental health services. We chatted with leaders from a rehabilitation center, a cancer treatment institute, and a home visit program for new families. Meanwhile, several tables offered free health screenings.
An anti-hunger organization sold fruit and vegetables from an overflowing truck. Fall Fest visitors could complete a bingo card by visiting nine different tables. Later, they could redeem their card for a coupon to buy fresh produce.
A healthy community takes teamwork. Fall Fest proved that Brooklyn is powered by people working hard for their neighbors’ health and happiness — just like us.
“It’s about coming together as a community and recognizing our partners,” said Sharon Marshall-Taylor, the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at the NYC Department of Health. “We want to let our neighbors know they have access to these resources.”
Expanding Our Reach
Over 100 people registered online before the event. Organizers estimated that 300 more people attended throughout the afternoon. From our small table at Fall Fest, hundreds of people learned about the Dream Factory of Brooklyn this October — which helps us connect with more families and spread joy to more kids.
Inspired to help us make dreams come true? Join our community of volunteers or donate today.
